Formula: Al3(PO4)2(OH,F)3.5H2O
Origin of name: for William Wavell (?-1829), English physician who discovered the mineral
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal class: 2/m 2/m 2/m
Twinning:
Unit cell: a = 9.624 Å, b = 17.34 Å, c = 6.986 Å
Colour: Colourless, white to green, yellowish green to brownish black, blue, brown
Diaphaneity: Translucent
Luster: Vitreous to resinous, pearly
Habit: crystals stout to long prismatic or acicular, fibrous, minute, rare, commonly acicular radiating aggregates, crusts, stalactitic
Hardness: 3.5 to 4
Specific gravity: 2.36
Cleavage: 3; {110} perfect, {101} good, {010} distinct
Tenacity: Subconchoidal to uneven, brittle
Streak: White
Synonyms/varieties: bialite
Comments:
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